I'm a couple weeks late in posting this but I wanted to take a little while to just enjoy not having to think about anything wedding related, and to enjoy our honeymoon. So, here are the details.
We got married at an Airbnb on a river in Oregon; the guest count was around 45. It was a casual wedding that I like to call "upscale tailgate" haha. We didn't have any dancing, just a playlist on Spotify. For small things, I'll just go by category instead of listing every tiny little detail.
Total cost: $9620
Airbnb for four days: $1278
Wedding dress: $108
Wedding dress alterations/dry cleaning(there was an unfortunate foundation stain lol): $260
Reception and ceremony shoes: $115
Jewelry/Hairpiece: $148
Day of Coordinator & Hair(had family friend do both): $150
Makeup for three people(also a family friend): $125
Suit rentals for four people: $574
Officiant: $250
Photographer: $2025
Food: $1048
Drinks: $563
Drink Coolers: $59
MOH Gift: $44
Best Man Gift: $212
Candy Bar: $327
Wedding Cake: $182
Cake Stand & Serving Set: $44
Bouquets and Boutonnières: $78
Ceremony Florals/Organza: $94
Invitations and Signs: $180
Centerpieces: $140
Yard Games: $132
Out of Town Guest Bags: $366
TIPS:
Have a point person for the day of the wedding. I had a day of coordinator who was a family friend, but since I did the majority of the planning, everyone kept coming to me while we set up. Because we got the venue two days before the wedding, I had decision fatigue by the end of the weekend. It also meant that literally five minutes before the ceremony people were still asking me questions, and I had to tell people to give me a minute to myself. Even if it's just your mom or your MOH, make someone your point person so that if there's any questions, they don't go to you when you're trying to get ready for your big day.
Stay off of Pinterest. Pinterest is good for initial ideas, but the closer you get to your day and the less you have to plan, it's a good idea to just stay away from it. I say this because I noticed myself seeing all these perfect venues and dresses and decorations and it made me feel not great about what I had chosen. In the end, everything came out amazing. So stay off Pinterest and don't compare your wedding to others, because your wedding is perfect for you.
Stay off of wedding forums and other social media the day before and day of your wedding. I read this tip from someone here before my wedding and I'm glad I remembered it, because I agree completely. The days immediately leading up to your wedding are so busy and you should take what little free time you have to not think about anything but taking a few minutes to yourself.
Let things go. Things will go wrong. Let it go. For example, I had multiple conversations with my caterers that they didn't need to include paper plates and plastic forks with the food because I had my own real silverware and plates. Well, I guess there was some miscommunication because guess what was next to the food? Since we did a buffet and guests went and got their own food before sitting down, they just assumed that the plates next to the food were the option we gave them. I just asked the caterers to remove the paper plates and plastic forks. Another example: immediately after dinner a couple of well-intentioned guests that had been helping us the entire weekend decided to completely clear the tables. As in put away the centerpieces, and the tablecloths and table runners. They meant well, but no one asked if I was ok with it. I was a little annoyed in the moment but decided to just let it go, and it turned out that none of the other guests even really paid attention to it. So just let the little things slide. Also, the timeline you worked so hard on? It'll go off by at least a few minutes, and that's ok too. My photographer told me that she has never seen a wedding go perfectly to schedule.
Do what makes you comfortable. I get really nervous in front of crowds. Initially my husband and I were going to hold hands and face each other during the ceremony. On the day of I got really, really nervous so we decided instead to hold hands and face the officiant, and just face each other while we did the ring exchange. So don't listen to what you "have to do" for your wedding. Do what you want to do and what makes you comfortable.
Sorry this is so long, and I hope it helps any future brides out there!!
